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In this episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams welcomes a very special guest, Mr. Richard Hooker Jr., a union leader, and officer. Together, they discuss the importance of collaborative negotiation in employment disputes, particularly in today’s post-COVID world. 

As the Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 623, Richard is responsible for its 4,500 members. He makes sure that they’re protected, receive fair pay and good working conditions. His goals are to change the mindset of management and employees and to bring dignity and respect back in the workplace.

Some of the issues in today’s discussion are:

• Union leadership
• The Great Resignation led to people losing jobs without a backup
• Contentious strikes and dragged-out negotiations

“We just went through one of the most difficult times of our history, and America had to
depend on its workers to make it through.”

Richard Hooker Jr.

Richard reminded us that 1) during the pandemic, the world realized how vital laborers are to keeping society running; 2) they deserve fair contracts and compensation; and 3) when employees don’t have a highly specialized or in-demand skill, they aren’t in a position to make demands or have job security, because they can be easily replaced. This is why Richard advocates for unions. He seeks to give workers the protection they need.

The employer-employee dynamic is an ongoing relationship. Both sides have their expectations, needs, and non-negotiables. Nonetheless, there has to be a balance, a way to reach win-win situations without great losses. This episode explores why this balance is necessary, yet tricky to reach.

Connect with Richard Hooker Jr.:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

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Check out Beverly’s book: Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and
Succeed in the Right Job